Worried about unauthorized devices sneaking onto your network? NetWatcher offers a straightforward solution for UniFi users. This lightweight script monitors your network for unfamiliar MAC addresses and sends alerts via Pushover, providing an extra layer of security.
Many network monitoring tools rely on active scanning methods, which can be resource-intensive. NetWatcher takes a different approach. It connects directly to your UniFi controller’s API, pulling client data and comparing MAC addresses against a simple text file of trusted devices. Adding a new trusted device is as easy as adding a line to the file.
How NetWatcher Works
NetWatcher simplifies network monitoring by focusing on the essentials:
- Retrieves MAC Addresses: It fetches a list of all connected devices from your UniFi controller.
- Verifies Against Trusted List: It compares each MAC address against your pre-approved list in ‘trusted.txt’.
- Alerts on Unknowns: If an unrecognized MAC address appears, you’ll receive an immediate notification through Pushover.
- Easy Trust Management: Adding new trusted devices is as simple as adding their MAC addresses to the ‘trusted.txt’ file.
Why Choose NetWatcher?
NetWatcher is designed for simplicity and efficiency. No complex setup or configurations. Its lightweight nature ensures minimal impact on your network. If you’re comfortable with basic scripting and want a clear, no-frills way to keep tabs on your network, NetWatcher is a great choice. This project is purposely kept small and basic. Currently, there’s no user interface, so interaction is done directly through the script and text file.
Getting Started
While NetWatcher is currently command-line based, its straightforward design makes it easy to implement. The developer is actively seeking feedback and looking for ways to improve. Check out the GitHub repository for the latest version and to contribute your suggestions.
This project is perfect for anyone who wants to stay informed about devices on their network without the overhead of complex monitoring solutions. Its simple, effective approach provides peace of mind, allowing you to quickly identify any unexpected guests on your Wi-Fi.
Find the project on GitHub: [link]
